Collection Development Manual

Health Policy

Definition:

The development by government and other policy makers of present and future objectives pertaining to health care and the health care system, and the articulation of arguments and decisions regarding these objectives in legislation, judicial opinions, regulations, guidelines, standards, etc. that affect health care and public health.

Discussion

Health policy literature includes works that describe the roles played by both government and non-governmental entities and individuals in the policy process; studies of economic, technological, social, cultural and other influences on policy development; and the effects of resulting policies, guidelines, standards and protocols.